Stocks lower, Apple slump, Kroger, Cohen probe, DocuSign

^{Five things you need to know before the market opens on Friday September 8:}

1. -- Stocks stagger into weekend on US-China tech worries, new inflation bets

Renewed inflation concerns, alongside a simmer U.S.-China tech trade war, has stocks set for a fourth straight session decline heading into the start of Friday trading.

2. -- Apple slump pulls chip stocks lower amid brewing US-China tech trade war

The Commerce Department's will probe details of a new chip in China-backed Huawei's Mate 60 smartphone to determine if it violates U.S. trade sanctions.

3. -- Kroger earnings in focus amid pushback on $25 billon Albertsons merger

Kroger is likely to report flat Q2 sales as it ramps-up its effort to merge with rival grocery chain Albertsons Companies.

4. -- GameStop slides on report billionaire investor Ryan Cohen face SEC probe

GameStop chairman Ryan Cohen has reportedly been asked to provide details of trade related to Bed Bath & Beyond to the SEC.

5. -- DocuSign leaps after Q2 earnings beat, 2023 revenue forecast boost

Big new clients and a deeper push into AI technologies are set to drive DocuSign revenues higher over the back half of the year.